"Knowing, then, all these things, beloved, let us not, I beseech you

fool for Christ 09 Nov 2023 16:04:19 GMT
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"Knowing, then, all these things, beloved, let us not, I beseech you, speak 
in this way; let us not say, "What is the need of such discourses? No good 
results from them." The husbandman once, or twice, or often sowing in the 
same field, and failing to profit by it, labours again in the same ground, 
and often recovers in one good year the loss of all his previous time. It 
often happens that the merchant, suffering from many shipwrecks, does not 
shun the sea; but prepares his vessel, and hires seamen, and spends money 
again in the same kind of undertaking, although the future is as uncertain 
as before. And all who are accustomed to engage in any occupation whatever 
act in the same way as the husbandman and the merchant. If then they show 
such zeal in the affairs of this life, although the result is doubtful, 
shall we, because when we speak we are not listened to, immediately desist? 
What excuse shall we have? Besides, in their misfortunes, there is no one 
to console them for their loss, no one who, if the sea engulf the ship, 
will remove the poverty caused by the wreck. If the rain flood the field 
and cause the seed to perish, the husbandman must of necessity return home 
with empty hands. But with us, who preach and warn men, the case is not so. 
For when thou sowest the seed, and the hearer receives it not, and does not 
bring forth the fruit of obedience, thou hast the reward of thy intent, 
laid up with God; and thou wilt receive the same recompense whether the 
hearer obey or disobey; for thou hast performed all thy duty."

St. John Chrysostom, On the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. 

"For I know that the Lord is great, And our Lord is above all gods."  
Psalm 135:5

Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.